The eye-catching Japanese pieris ‘Mountain Fire’ is a gardener favorite.
The white or pale pink blooms resemble those oflily-of-the-valley, without the strong, notable fragrance.
Japanese Pieris Care
Japanese pieris is well-loved for its ease of care and year-round interest.
Removing spent flowers after blooming will keep your shrub looking neat.
Soil
Plant your Japanese pieris in soil that is rich inorganic matter, moist, and well-draining.
Generally, you should aim to keep the soil consistently moist down to about 3 inches deep.
Maintaining a proper moisture level (moist but not wet) can be a challenge with these shrubs.
Space the plants well apart to keep good air circulation.
Plants that seem susceptible to fungal disease should be pruned to improve air circulation.
Mulching with an acidifying organic material such as pine needles can also help provide nutrients.
Generally speaking, additional pruning is usually unnecessary, as the plant is quite attractive in its natural state.
Begin by removing any damaged or diseased branches, using sharp loppers.
Cuts should be made about 1/2 inch above a leaf bud.
Then, trim off the top of the shrub to the desired height.
Finish up by shaping the outside of the plant to the desired shape.
Ideal temperatures for germination are 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 60 degrees at night.
Give the new seedlings shelter from the direct sun.
If starting the seeds in pots, they can be transplanted into the garden in the late fall.
see to it to harden off seedlings before planting in the garden.
Potting and Repotting Japanese Pieris
Smaller cultivars of Japanese pieris are sometimes grown in containers.
Monitor pots frequently and water deeply whenever the top inch of potting mix becomes dry.
Potted pieris plants will require more regular feeding than garden plants; use a water-soluble acidifying fertilizer every month.
Allow about 6 to 7 feet between shrubs, and keep in mind their mature size.
Seriously advanced root rot will probably be fatal, requiring that you remove the plant.
Treat any signs of pest issues using a horticultural oil, such asneem oil.
Japanese pieris should be planted at the same depth as it was growing in the nursery container.
The shrub generally returns to a normal bloom pattern in the next season.
Excessive fertilization often results in vigorous foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Too little sunlight can also result in poor blooms.
In cooler climates, plant it where it will receive full sun.
Japanese pieris is an acid-loving plant.
Leaves Wilt, Stems Sag
These symptoms are sometimes misdiagnosed as a lack of water.
In zones 7 and 8, gardeners should usually seek a partial shade location for this plant.
Best planted alongside or among other shrubby plants with similar acidic soil preferences, such as rhododendrons.
It works well in shrubby borders, as foundation plantings, or as a specimen plant.
With leaves similar to those of rhododendron, Japanese pieris is a good addition to Asian-themed gardens.
The most common reason to move these shrubs is to correct sun exposure or soil pH issues.
double-check to water the plant well for a day or two before you move it.
Like many slow-growing shrubs, Japanese pieris has good longevity.
Lifespans of up to 40 years are common.
Safe and Poisonous Garden Plants.University of California.
